Powerful message engages students at Masconomet

Monday

Sep 30, 2013 at 12:01 AMSep 30, 2013 at 1:56 PM

Seven hundred and fifty middle school students were so mesmerized by motivational speak Ed Gerety, that you could hear a pin drop in the Masconomet gymnasium on Monday, Sept. 23. Gerety captured their full attention for nearly an hour through a blend of storytelling, humor and interaction. Then he did it all over again and again, for a total of three presentations in three hours to the entire student population at Masconomet. Each time he earned the students complete attention as he encouraged them to be grateful, respectful, responsible and kind.

By Linda Greenstein/Tri-Town Transcript Correspondent

Seven hundred and fifty middle school students were so mesmerized by motivational speak Ed Gerety, that you could hear a pin drop in the Masconomet gymnasium on Monday, Sept. 23. Gerety captured their full attention for nearly an hour through a blend of storytelling, humor and interaction. Then he did it all over again and again, for a total of three presentations in three hours to the entire student population at Masconomet. Each time he earned the students complete attention as he encouraged them to be grateful, respectful, responsible and kind.

The program sponsored by the Parent Advisory Council (PAC) was the brainchild of Rachel Shamon, a 2013 Masco graduate. Shamon heard Gerety speak at her orientation for Bentley College and wished she had heard him while she was still in high school. She contacted Michelle Mathers, PAC president and suggested that the organization bring him to her alma mater. PAC then worked with the high school and middle school principals to bring the leadership program to students.

"Ed is fun!" said Shamon, who came back to Masconomet to introduce Gerety. "He has an upbeat way of speaking directly to students about making choices, about building their integrity and ultimately improving the climate at their school!"

"He was fabulous," agreed Middle School Principal Dr. Dorothy Flaherty. "He captured the audience with great story telling and humor. The kids loved it."

The humor took many forms as Ed Gerety displayed an uncanny ability to capture the vocal patterns and mannerisms of teenagers. He also reached into the audience to make his point about telling someone you love them. In each session he selected a student to come forward and had student call their mother on a cell phone and tell her they loved her. The bewildered mothers appreciated the call and the students roared with laughter during the awkward exchange.

Throughout the presentation, Gerety mixed his pace, tone and volume level so often the students were nearly silent trying grasp his each and every word. To keep them alert at times he would interject a request for applause and an "Oooh-ahhh" cheer.

"I had kids tell me it was the best assembly ever," said longtime Middle School Assistant Principal Paul Harrington, "I think I would have to agree, and I have seen a lot of assemblies in my time."

"I think anytime you can get all the grade levels together to hear one message it is powerful," added Dr. Laurie Hodgdon, High School principal. "I am looking forward to hearing this important message play forward in the weeks to come."

Gerety was as much a listener as a speaker. After each session, students lined up to tell him their story or ask him questions. He gave them his respectful attention and he will take insight from those interactions and use them in future presentations.

"The presentations and the students’ reactions more than exceeded our expectations," said Mathers. "We are so grateful to Rachel for reaching out to PAC and suggesting Ed Gerety and for the school leadership for welcoming the program. You just have to look at all the students that lined up to speak with or shake hands with Ed after the presentations to see how much he touched them."

Abuzz on Twitter

Masconomet students followed up the assembly with numerous Tweets, noting how much Ed Gerety inspired them:

"Ed Gerety made a speech to our school that put most, if not all of the school, in tears and he was by far the most inspirational yet comical speech ever!" said Corey Denn.

And Sam Hamburger added, "Definitely the best school assembly we've ever had... thank you Ed Gerety."

"Ed Gerety, thank you for reminding us of what is truly important in life!" said Shannon Emmett.

"Thank you Ed Gerety for the amazing speech this morning, it was so inspirational!" said Amanda Peachey while Sasha Chak commented, "Thank you for inspiring the students at Masco to be become better people!" Sasha Chak.